Diversity and spatial turnover of dung beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea) communities in a protected area of South Europe (Donana National Park, Huelva, Spain)

Diversity and spatial turnover of the spring dung beetle community of Donana National Park (Huelva, Spain), one of the most important wildlife reserves in the Mediterranean area, were examined. The entire dung beetle community is estimated to comprise around 68 species. Coastal dunes and marsh proved to be the most singular habitats within Donana Reserve. Response of Scarabaeidae and Aphodiidae to habitat heterogeneity was different. Scarabaeidae fauna was highly homogeneous throughout the habitats whereas Aphodiidae showed higher rates of species turnover and some singular local communities, thus contributing to a greater extent to the regional diversity. Scarabaeidae family presents more ubiquitous species and lower values of beta diversity, so that its local and regional diversity converge. It is suggested that different adaptive strategies regard in resource partitioning (Scarabaeidae: tunnellers and ball-rollers; Aphodiidae: dwellers) can account for these differences. Although Donana National Park is home to a richer wild mammal fauna and non-human altered habitats, its dung beetle diversity is similar to that of other Spanish regions.